Lea + Cal + Mikey
Elopement in Reynisfjara, BÚDAKIRKJA, KIRKJUFELL, & Jökulsárlón
I will be honest: this was my first polyamorous elopement. I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I was excited to have a new experience under my belt! And Lea, Cal, and Mikey were happy to share with me how they feel about love, relationships, and each other.
So first, a little about them. Cal had just tied the knot with Lea back home, and Mikey was (and still is) Cal's boyfriend. Since Mikey was living mostly at home with Lea and Cal, and such a big part of both of their lives, he was invited to join on their elopement and honeymoon. And Cal really wanted him to be there, not only to celebrate her and Lea, but to also celebrate their 2 year relationship.
Created: June 22, 2025
Lea & Cal
"None of us had ever been to Iceland before, but Shawna’s guidance was EVERYTHING. She helped us plan the perfect route, and even helped us avoid the mass crowds at the touristy spots."
Why they chose Iceland
Lea, Cal, and Mikey had never been to Iceland before, so this was a new experience for them. When I asked them why they chose Iceland, they said "the crazy landscapes match our crazy personalities". We had a little laugh about that, and after going a bit deeper, Cal said (and I'm paraphrasing here), "there's something so deep and mysterious about Iceland, and the way I look at Iceland is the way I feel sometimes people look at us. Like people are trying to figure us out."
So there was definitely a reason beyond "it looks so cool on Instagram!" It was a country that truly resonated with them, and one they felt they understood without having to know the whole story, if that makes sense.
What you can expect when eloping in Iceland
When you elope in Iceland, you can expect a mix of adventure, spontaneity, and raw, untamed beauty. The weather is unpredictable; sun, rain, wind, and fog can all show up in a single day, so flexibility is key (and part of the fun). You'll likely be hiking over rugged terrain, crossing streams, or layering up against the wind, which all adds to the sense that you're doing something truly extraordinary. It’s less about perfect hair and a set timeline, and more about fully embracing whatever the day brings together.
You can also expect a deeply personal, intentional experience. With the help of a professional, you can find the perfect place that lets you feel like the only two people in the world. Expect some driving, many of Iceland’s most stunning spots are remote, but every stretch of road is scenic. Most couples find themselves slowing down, soaking in the stillness, and feeling completely present in the moment. It's not just "getting hitched"; it's an experience you'll never forget.
If you're curious to learn more, check out this Free Ultimate Guide on How To Elope in Iceland.
When should you elope in Iceland?
When to elope in Iceland depends on the kind of vibe and scenery you're after, but the short answer is: there’s no bad time, just different kinds of epic.
Summer (June to August) is perfect if you want long, adventure-filled days. Thanks to the midnight sun, you can elope at 10pm and still have soft, golden light. Most of the country is accessible this time of year, including the remote Highlands and green-covered landscapes. It’s the most popular season, but with smart planning (like sunrise or off-the-beaten-path spots), you can still find quiet moments.
Fall (September to early October) brings moodier light, colorful moss and tundra, and fewer tourists. It’s also the start of northern lights season, which can add a surreal glow to your elopement night. Winter (late October to March) is for couples dreaming of snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and aurora-filled skies. But be ready for shorter days and road closures due to weather. Spring (April to May) is shoulder season, with a mix of lingering snow and awakening greenery. It's quieter, and things start to come back to life.
Ultimately, the best time to elope in Iceland depends on whether you want sunshine and access, dramatic skies and solitude, or snowy adventure and potential aurora magic. Year-round, especially outside of summer, you can have CRAZY weather. Just be prepared!
"We honestly don’t even know where to start….working with Shawna was SO MUCH FUN. She was so open, kind, and genuinely excited to help us bring our not-so-traditional elopement to life. We're a polyamorous trio, and Shawna made us feel completely seen, supported, and celebrated the whole time. This was extremely important to us, because as I’m sure you can guess, we don’t get to feel this way with everyone.
None of us had ever been to Iceland before, but Shawna’s guidance was EVERYTHING. She helped us plan the perfect route, and even helped us avoid the mass crowds at the touristy spots.
We’re ugly-crying obsessed with the photos. She fulfilled our request on capturing the landscapes, but also managed to get our weird jokes, the cuddles, the chaos, the love between all three of us. It didn’t feel awkward like we all worried, it was actually just a lot of fun!
If you’re even thinking about eloping and want someone who will hype you up, make you feel completely comfortable, and celebrate you for YOU, Shawna’s your person. We’ll be reliving this experience (and sharing these pics with literally everyone) for the rest of our lives.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!"
"Shawna made us feel completely seen, supported, and celebrated the whole time"
Testimonial by Lea & Cal - Brides
© Shawna Rae Photography 2025
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